This week at the multiplex, we’ve got “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2,” starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson in the final installment of the wildly popular vampire franchise. And in limited release, we’ve got “Silver Linings Playbook,” a romantic comedy starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, as well as Joe Wright’s unorthodox adaptation of “Anna Karenina,” starring Keira Knightley in the title role. Find out what the critics have to say on Rotten Tomatoes.

“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2″

There’s no middle ground on the “Twilight” series: either you’re enraptured by the tale of Bella Swan and her supernatural paramours, or you’re mystified by its appeal. For what it’s worth, critics say “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2″ is easily the best entry in the franchise, with a rousing climax that goes a long way toward redeeming a sluggish first half. Bella (Kristen Stewart) is adjusting to her new life as both a mother and a vampire. But when malevolent Volturi go after their child, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cullen round up a crew of sympathetic vampires and werewolves to stand with their family. “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2″ is currently at 56 percent on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer; here are some of the reviews:

Fresh: “The changes make for a visceral, satisfying climax. After the ups and downs of previous ‘Twilight’ films, it’s good to have the series quit while it’s ahead.” — Sharon Hoffmann, Kansas City Star

Rotten: “This is still a silly, unapologetically melodramatic — and at times unintentionally funny — teen soap opera, and one that is made for fans and only fans. Which I still am not.” — Mike Scott, New Orleans Times-Picayune

Rotten: “This fifth and mercifully final installment features so much idle anticipation that it’s unclear whether we’re watching a movie or an Apple product launch.” — Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

“Silver Linings Playbook”

In the movies, characters fall in love all the time, but critics say they’re rarely as interesting as the folks in “Silver Linings Playbook,” a sharply written, terrifically acted film about fascinating people in dark situations. Bradley Cooper stars as a down-on-his-luck guy living with his parents after his release from a mental institution. He gets an unexpected boost when he meets a mysterious young woman (Jennifer Lawrence) who seems to offer a solution to his troubles. “Silver Linings Playbook” is Certified Fresh at 88 percent on the Tomatometer; here’s what some of the critics say:

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence in “Silver Linings Playbook.”

Fresh: “‘Silver Linings Playbook’ is a quirky adult romantic comedy that goes beyond the standard rhythms of the genre.” — James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Fresh: “With great pacing, a great sense of the moment and some of the most entertaining one-liners you’ll find this side of a Coen brothers’ film, there’s much to like about ‘Silver Linings Playbook.’” — Laremy Legel, Film.com

Fresh: “‘Silver Linings Playbook’ is so good, it could almost be a terrific old classic.” — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Rotten: “Manic as it might be stylistically, emotionally ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ maintains too even of a keel.” — Karina Longworth, Village Voice

“Anna Karenina”

Laurie Sparham

Keira Knightley as ‘Anna Karenina’

If you’re going to remake an oft-adapted classic of world literature, you’d better bring something new to the table. That’s exactly what director Joe Wright did, for better or worse, with his take on Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina,” which some critics say is visually ravishing and others say is distractingly artificial. Anna (Keira Knightley) is a married aristocrat who becomes enraptured with a wealthy playboy; opulent tragedy ensues. “Anna Karenina” is currently at 61 percent; check out some of the reviews here:

Fresh: “If it doesn’t ultimately engage your heart as it might, ‘Anna Karenina’ is period drama at its most exciting, intoxicating and modern.” — Ian Freer, Empire Magazine

Rotten: “It never feels like we’re watching people pressed on by the burdens of society and history, just extravagantly costumed puppets navigating Wright’s colorfully shallow bag of tricks.” — Keith Uhlich, Time Out New York

Rotten: “As boldly original a miscalculation as any you’re likely to see.” — David Edelstein, New York Magazine

About Speakeasy

Speakeasy is a blog covering media, entertainment, celebrity and the arts. The publication is produced by Barbara Chai and Jonathan Welsh with contributions from the Wall Street Journal staff and others. Write to us at speakeasy@wsj.com or follow us on Twitter at @WSJSpeakeasy or individually @barbarachai.